Kerala Sojourn - Vision Impaired - 3 nights

Kochi, Mararikulam

Truly God's Own Country, Kerala is shaped by its layered landscape, Arabian Sea coast and beaches, a tranquil network of glistening backwaters, and, of course, the spice and tea covered hills of the western ghats.

Besides its famous backw...

Truly God's Own Country, Kerala is shaped by its layered landscape, Arabian Sea coast and beaches, a tranquil network of glistening backwaters, and, of course, the spice and tea covered hills of the western ghats.

Besides its famous backwaters, elegant houseboats, ayurvedic treatments and subtly spiced delicacies, Kerala is home to some exciting wildlife, while vibrant traditions such as Kathakali plays, temple festivals and snake-boat races frequently bring even the smallest of villages to life.

Is this trip for me?

YES! If you...

This leisurely trip has been especially curated for vision impaired guests. It will include the services of a specially trained driver and guides who will be able to bring alive all monuments and attractions to enhance the experiences. In addition to important monuments, we have included places that could delight an explorer's soul for the sounds, smells and tastes.

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1 Arrive Kochi

Day 2 Kochi

Day 3 Kochi - Mararikulum

Day 4 Depart Mararikulam - Kochi

Itinerary

You will arrive at Cochin International Airport. The airline staff will escort you through customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection to exit the arrivals terminal, where you will be received by an Enable Travel representative with a placard bearing your name. The representative will guide you to the awaiting vehicle facilitating your smooth transfer to your hotel. (Check-in time 1200-1400 hrs / early check-in is subject to availability).

The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the state's cities, Cochin or Kochi has long been eulogised in tourist literature as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Strategically located on the east-west sea route, Cochin or Kochi is Kerala's most cosmopolitan city, boasting of one of the finest natural harbours in the world. With its wealth of historical associations and its setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsula, Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Apart from being a major commercial hub, Kochi is also a major tourist attraction in southern India.

Cochin served as a very important seaport and was at the centre of trade with the Chinese, Arabs, Phoenician, Romans and Greeks. You are able to catch a glimpse of the past through the old colonial churches, tiled houses built in the Chinese pagoda style, the famous Chinese fishing nets, colonial buildings, synagogues and mosques - all narrating fascinating tales of this enriched harbour town.

The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore shopping and the spa treatments.

Meals included: None (meals on your own)

Casino Hotel

Day 2

Kochi

Enjoy half day city tour of Kochi.

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you will be accompanied by your local guide on a half-day sightseeing tour of Cochin.

Unravel the ancient treasures of this quaint port town by visiting its fascinating sights. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, huge cantilevered fishing nets that droop towards the waters like oversized hammocks. If you are a seafood lover, this is definitely for you. As soon as you reach the narrow walkway in Vasco da Gama Square, the fishy smell emanates all around. You may hear the seafood vendors calling out their prices for the catch of the day, be it fish, prawns or crabs.

On the Chinese Fishing nets platform, you may just hear the rhythmic chant of Hey Jala as the local fishermen lower the fishing nets into the waters to get their catch of the day. Our expert guide will tell you the history of the nets being brought to India by Chinese travellers.

Thereafter, we head to the St. Francis Church, believed to be the oldest European church in India. A very modest building on the exterior, but historically very significant, it changed several hands from 1503 to 1949, beginning with its Portuguese origin to the Dutch, followed by the British and finally handed over to the CSI (Church of South India). Since it is an active church, don't be surprised if you encounter a service. This church also houses the grave of famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Manoeuvre your way through the streets, lined with antique and handicraft shops of the Jew Town to the easily accessible Jewish Synagogue. Be prepared to visit a no-frills synagogue, in all its originality. Small, simple but with great history, it has beautiful Belgian glass chandeliers and exquisite Portuguese floor tiles, each with different art work on it. Enjoy the coolness of these smooth tiles as you walk through the interiors of the synagogue. You could also feel the Hebrew inscription on a stone slab. Touch the vertical metal bars of a very unique window here, all painted in gold with a small ridged design in the centre.

The Jew town itself is very characteristic - quaint and pretty - with touristy antique shops.

Note: Visitors to the Jewish Synagogue should be modestly dressed. Admission will be denied to men and women wearing short pants/skirts, sleeveless t-shirts/blouses. Bare shoulders and midriffs are not permitted and should be covered with shawls.

The evening will present an opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful facets of Kerala's unique culture, the mesmerising Kathakali classical dance performance. It is interesting to watch the unique mask-like Kathakali make-up, followed by the stunning performance. Kathakali represents a synthesis of all that is best in dance, drama and music and has been recognised by connoisseurs of art the world over as a 'total art form of immense sophistication and power'. It is the impression created by make-up and the costumes that makes Kathakali a visual par excellence. Let the magic of this unique art form envelope you as you watch the emotions displayed by the performing artistes.

Meals included: Breakfast

Casino Hotel

Day 3

Kochi - Mararikulum

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, at time decided by you proceed from Cochin to Mararikulam.

On arrival, enjoy a traditional welcome at the Hotel.

The rest of the day will be free to explore the resort, the spa, exotic Kerala cuisine and shopping.

After a leisurely breakfast, the day will be at leisure to relax and explore Mararikulam, a beach village with fishing as its main economic activity.

Look forward to space and silence, a sprawl of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds, whispering coconut groves, all beautiful threaded through with stone flagged pathways. Feel the constant echoes of Malabar's coastline - from the thatched roofs of your hut to the tap outside, an aimless walk on a path strewn with wild flowers, a warm afternoon spent just listening to splashing waves, the salty breeze caressing your cheeks, and scrunching sand under your feet - a perfect antidote to stress!

Meals included: Breakfast

About

Kochi

Mararikulam

The commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is dotted with Chinese-style pagoda houses, synagogues and mosques--a reflection of its rich past. The beautiful cluster of islands draws both sun-seeking vacationers and adventurous explorers. Take a boat cruise around this Queen of the Arabian Sea, and take in a Kathakali dance recital, an essential part of every visitor's trip to Kochi.

Mararikulum, near Cochin, boasts of pristine, palm-fringed beaches and stunning landscapes. Add to that an abundance of solitude, this beach is a paradise for travellers. Experience the local aroma of coffee and spices, enjoy the tranquil backwaters, get a splendid suntan, witness the scenic sunset on the beach or the daily routine of the locals. Marari is a truly hospitable, beach destination.

Any increase in fuel cost, government taxes, entrance fees, intra and interstate taxes etc, the tour price will be amended in accordance.

Any items / services not specifically mentioned in the 'Tour Price Includes' column.

Supplement charges applicable for long weekends and festivals.

Any rides, safaris, boating charges, additional sightseeing tours other than the mentioned in inclusions.

5% Govt. Service Tax.

Dates & Price

Price Validity

Category

Twin / Double

Single

1st Oct 2018 - 31st Mar 2019

ECONOMY

32,553

43,998

1st Oct 2018 - 31st Mar 2019

SUPERIOR

39,483

57,858

1st Oct 2018 - 31st Mar 2019

DELUXE

61,743

1,02,378

Before you Go

We request all our guests to let us know of all their special requirements, i.e. dietary, mobility, accessibility, vision, speech or hearing, at the time of booking, enabling us to plan the trip accordingly.

Please be informed that guide dogs or any other pets are not allowed in aircraft and many other places in India.

Important Info

Check-in time will be 1400 hrs and Check-out time will be 1200 hrs.

Visas for India should be obtained by all passengers well before their departure for India.

Prices are subject to change without any prior notice.

Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.

Distances mentioned in itinerary are approximate and driving time depends on traffic conditions.

No wearing footwear and no carrying plastic or leather articles while entering any temple.

The rates mentioned above are confidential and should not be shared with a third party without written consent of Enable Travel. All arrangements made by Enable Travel are in the capacity of an agent only. Enable Travel will not be liable for claims or expenses arising from circumstances beyond our control such as accidents, injuries, delayed or cancelled flights and acts / forces of nature.

In case, at the time of booking, accommodation is not available in the hotels mentioned above, we will book an alternate hotel / category of room for which the supplement / reduction will be advised accordingly.

A refund / discount would not be applicable if breakfast or any meals included in the package are not utilised.

Enable Travel's costs are based on contracted rates for leisure business. No conference / business / corporate activity has been envisaged in the tour cost. Including any such activity may result in the above being treated as a Business Delegation and the hotels are likely to charge a separate contracted rate for the same.

In case of any additional expense incurred due to a change in Government of India and Reserve Bank of India regulations pertaining to taxes, fuel hikes, entrances to monuments, transport, fluctuation in the rate of exchange and any force majeure situation due to natural / political conditions, Enable Travel reserves the right to adjust the tour price accordingly.

Smoking in Public Places has been prohibited in India. Public places include open spaces, restaurants, hotels, pubs, discotheques, banquet halls, etc. No services would be permitted / provided in separate smoking enclosures / areas, if available, with the exception of rooms designated as 'smoking rooms' in hotels.

Force Majeure Situations: Enable Travel and its associates shall not be liable to pay any compensation where the performance / prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented / affected or any damage or loss is suffered as a result of a "force majeure" situation. In these Booking Conditions, "force majeure" would stand for any event which Enable Travel or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, actual or threatened terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside of our control. Enable Travel and its associates are not liable for any compensation for damage caused by a force majeure or other unforeseen events. Enable Travel would notify our clients / agents timely of such force majeure events as and when feasible and will aim to limit the damage and supplement cost befalling the clients / agents for alternate arrangements deviating from the planned programme.